Woman killed in Hayward fire identified

HAYWARD -- A 75-year-old woman who died after a one-alarm blaze gutted a Hayward home has been identified by the Alameda County coroner as Carol Flores.

Flores perished after the blaze broke out just after 1 a.m. Friday in the front bedroom of the home on the 24800 block of Townsend Avenue, Hayward Fire spokesman Don Nichelson said. Flores' niece and her husband were able to escape the three-bedroom house, but the fire prevented them from rescuing her, Nichelson said.

At least three dozen animals were inside or outside the home when the fire broke out and some cats, parakeets and doves perished. Nichelson said the single-story house was engulfed by fire when crews arrived, and smoke and flames were particularly intense coming from the front door and windows.

Flores was in a back bedroom, which was blocked by the smoke and flames.

Fire crews brought Flores out and tried to revive her using CPR and other lifesaving methods, Nichelson said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hayward Police Department Animal Services removed the surviving animals from the scene Friday morning. They appeared to be in good condition.

Fire investigators determined the blaze may have been due to an electrical issue.